Highlights 2011

ROSA surge deployments to the Horn of Africa crisis and Namibia flood response were complemented by preparedness missions to strengthen the response preparedness capacities of UNCTs/RCs and government counterparts in Namibia, Swaziland, Madagascar, Lesotho, Botswana and Malawi.

ROSA heavily involved in annual SADC preparedness and DRR workshop. Helped to identify and address regional preparedness and disaster risk factors for 2011/2012, and advocated an information management strategy to support the SADC DRR strategy.

OVERVIEW 2011

ROSA responded to four medium-scale emergencies in the region in 2011. The Regional Office supported Mozambique’s response to the refugee influx from the Horn of Africa crisis, and coordinated relief activities following the devastating floods in the northern region of Namibia. As political instability in Madagascar affected the Government’s ability to tackle a massive locust invasion, OCHA undertook its biggest regional intervention in 2011, addressing a crisis that affected 2.5 million people.

Heavy rains in Lesotho from December 2010 to February 2011 caused extensive damage to the agricultural sector. The Post-Disaster Needs Assessment subsequently conducted indicated a developing food security crisis due to the losses, particularly of crops such as sorghum, maize and beans. In June 2011, the Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee estimated that 514,000 poor and very poor people (102,600 households) were food insecure and required humanitarian assistance during the 2011/2012 consumption year. ROSA responded by facilitating a CERF request and providing technical support to the RC and the UNCT to coordinate the response.

In 2011, ROSA maintained a strong focus on a regional approach to preparedness and emergency response. It encouraged governments and other actors to work towards tighter regional response strategies and filling gaps in response preparedness.

ROSA led an SADC regional consultation workshop in October. National and regional DRR managers examined the implications of the 2011/2012 seasonal rainfall forecast and potential disaster risks, and decided on measures to put in place. The workshop provided an opportunity for ISDR to launch the Southern Africa regional DRR platform, which will promote greater coherence in DRR coordination at the regional and sub-regional levels.

ROSA’s efforts to support sub-regional planning for increased disaster preparedness were evident in communities along the Zambezi river basin. The Regional Office produced an atlas of preparedness activities based on the five priorities of the Hyogo Framework for Action. The atlas helps identify DRR shortcomings in the basin and enables partners to fill the gaps. Working with OCHA, IFRC will continue efforts to implement DRR projects at the community level. However, the current DRR activity in the SADC region requires stronger funding from the international community. Without this, disaster management institutions will be unable to perform their duties fully.

ROSA staff members were called on for surge interventions outside the region. They deployed to Somalia and Kenya offices for the Horn of Africa crisis, and to the Namibia flood response. The extensive surge interventions, totalling 270 surge days, affected activities including the office’s conduct of comprehensive risk analysis in 11 countries. This endeavour will be rolled out in 2012.

ROSA provided technical support to UNCTs and RCs in several key areas. These included resource mobilization through CERF and Flash Appeals, rapid assessments and information management. ROSA helped UNCTs and RCs coordinate their preparedness and response actions, and monitored cross-border population movements. These included the movement of Zimbabweans crossing into South Africa, which raised serious protection issues. There was concern about the South African authorities’ handling of the incoming population, including the manner in which the deportations of Zimbabweans lacking proper asylum documentation were carried out. ROSA also advocated stronger protection of civilians following the expulsions of Congolese nationals from Angola and Angolans from DRC in recent years, and the allegations of human rights abuses by authorities in both countries.

Longstanding humanitarian problems will require a strong response in 2012. The Southern African region remains prone to recurrent natural disasters. The prevalence of floods and droughts, along with epidemics of diseases such as cholera, malaria and measles, has helped create a high dependency on international aid. Local coping mechanisms in many parts of the region have become severely overstretched, while social security support is often limited and there is little safety net for the most disadvantaged. The continuing impact of HIV and AIDS, the unstable political situations in some countries in the region, and the unsustainable use of natural resources have all contributed to serious food security problems and chronic malnutrition rates.

Despite significant achievements in 2011, OCHA still needs to reinforce its work on disaster response and preparedness. This can hopefully be done through the introduction of the Minimum Preparedness Actions (MPPs), which were developed in 2011 and will come into effect in 2012. A comprehensive risk analysis for better preparedness planning, risk prevention and mitigation in the region will be undertaken.

In terms of overall advocacy, OCHA still needs to do more as a catalyst and interlocutor on humanitarian issues, driving the coordination of preparedness and humanitarian response. OCHA’s role is critical given the limited humanitarian capacity in a regional UN system where development rather than humanitarian concerns tend to dominate.

WORKPLAN 2011

Result 1: Humanitarian coordination leaders (RC, HCTs, cluster leads) enabled to respond to emergencies in a timely and coordinated fashion

Preparedness

Indicator 1a. Number and percentage of priority countries with minimum preparedness package delivered.

Baseline

A total of 13 out of 13 (100 per cent) countries have inter-agency contingency plans (IACP), WWW databases and minimum baseline mapping data. Twelve out of 13 (92 per cent) have HCT-type coordination mechanisms (except Seychelles). Six out of 13 (46 per cent) have tested CPs in IA annual (in 2010) simulations: Botswana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles and Zimbabwe. Five out of 13 (38 per cent) have undertaken lessons learned of the previous disaster: Botswana, Namibia, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Zambia.

Achievements

The MPP target was revised during the year to give priority to the surge support to the Horn of Africa crisis. However, several aspects of the MPP were implemented, and included the revision of contingency plans, facilitation of lessons-learned exercises, simulation exercises to test revised CPs, collection of baseline data, introduction to the common rapid assessment tool, definition of the information flow between stakeholders (e.g. the national governments and respective humanitarian actors), training on the humanitarian reform, definition of the link between HCT and the Government, establishment of HCT assessment and response teams and links with Governmental response teams, and the development of a disaster risk management plan for Namibia.
The Namibia simulation exercise will be conducted in Jan. 2012.

Indicator 1b. Number of person days deployed for delivery of minimum preparedness package.

Baseline

Eighty-eight based on 36 mission days during a year per country.

Achievements

101 mission days (HAO, IMU and Gen CAP) to deliver components of the MPA in five countries.

Indicator 1c. Number of priority countries with complete common operational datasets (available and maintained).

Baseline

Seven countries have the full data sets in place.

Achievements

Eighty per cent of the databases targeted in four countries were accomplished and are accessible to the humanitarian community. The target for 2011 (11 countries) could not be achieved due to the reduced capacity in the IM section caused by surge to the Horn of Africa crisis.

Indicator 1d. Number of common agreements with key regional stakeholders (IASC) for collective response.

The RIACSO management and accountability frame was dropped during the year. All agencies fully accept the cholera MoU. The administrative aspect of signing the MoU is still in process, to be finalized in 2012.

100 per cent in 2011. Four countries trained in the Gender Marker: Comoros, Madagascar, Mozambique and Zambia. All use the Gender Marker in the event of a Flash/CAP (four out of 13—30 per cent).

Achievements

100 per cent. The Namibia appeal was based on sex- and age-disaggregated data. Three countries were trained on the Gender Marker (Comoros, Madagascar and Mozambique).

Indicator 1h. Percentage of RCs activating government agreed HCT-like coordination structures within 24 hours from the onset of a crisis.

Baseline

90 per cent

Achievements

100 per cent. As part of ROSA preparedness work, 90 per cent of the UNCTs were assisted to form HCT-type humanitarian coordination structures. This consequently led to 100 per cent activation of these coordination structures within 24 hours in the four emergencies experienced n 2011: Lesotho (January 2011); Mozambique (January 2011); Namibia (March 2011) and Madagascar (February 2011).

Indicator 1i. Percentage of FAs or Humanitarian Action Plans drafted within 96 hours of request from RC or HCT.

Baseline

Estimated delivery time: 10 days.

Achievements

The drafting of the FA for Namibia started four days after the declaration of the disaster. The RC hesitated to launch it due to former experience with a highly underfunded FA in 2009 (33 per cent) and the perception that Namibia as a middle-income country could finance its needs.

Indicator 1j. Percentage of CERF applications submitted within 72 hours of request from RC or HCT.

Baseline

Estimated delivery time: 12 days.

Achievements

There was no CERF request made by RC/HC within the reporting period.

Regarding revisions, the UN Namibia Emergency focal points were not willing to revise the FA because the CERF grant was enough for UNICEF, UNFPA and WFP to respond to the affected population’s needs.

All ROSA staff members were trained on the Gender Marker in the office. In addition, four staff members were trained on environmental issues in humanitarian action in collaboration with UNEP. One staff member was trained on simulation exercise methodology.

Indicator 2b. Average number of hours for RO to respond to surge request for a new or deteriorating crisis.

Baseline

48 hours for one to two simultaneous disasters; 120 hours for three to four disasters.

Achievements

For the Namibia response, the target of 48 hours was met.

Indicator 2c. Number of person days deployed to respond to surge request for a new or deteriorating crisis.

Baseline

42 person-days per crisis, excluding surge to Horn of Africa.

Achievements

270 days for surge to the Horn of Africa and Namibia.

Indicator 2d. RO Business Continuity Plan tested once per year and deficiencies addressed.

Baseline

Revision started.

Achievements

Revision is ongoing, to be finalized in January 2012 and field tested in the second quarter of 2012.

Result 3: Reliable and timely information is used to support vulnerability analysis for better preparedness and response

Indicator 3a. Frequency of update of vulnerability data.

Baseline

Annually according to current regional food security monitoring mechanisms.

Discussion on the paper for common indicators on Regional Vulnerability Assessment Committee (RVAC) to ensure comparability was initiated with SADC RVAC unit. Processes are now underway to draft the concept paper in 2012.

100 per cent in Southern Africa of variable quality. Broader risk analysis model under development in Southern Africa.

Achievements

Southern Africa regional risk model could not be applied due to reduced capacity caused by the significant surge to the Horn. The improvement of indicators for Lesotho, Malawi and Namibia was postponed to 2012 for the same reason.

Indicator 3c. Number of development frameworks incorporating vulnerability/risk analysis.

Baseline

Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique UNDAF processes informed by OCHA’s input based on its general knowledge of risk in these countries. As a non-resident agency, OCHA does not have the ability to participate in multiple, intensive UNDAF processes, and remote support has its limitations.

Achievements

100 per cent achieved in the three targeted countries. Further support was provided to other UNCTs Africa-wide through a facilitated training at the regional level as part of the East and Southern Africa UNDG Peer Support Group PSG/QSA by OCHA.

Result 4: Regional bodies and national governments willing and better able to access and utilize international humanitarian response services and tools before, during and after crises

Indicator 4a. Number of agreements concluded with regional organizations on cooperation in preparedness and response.

Baseline

Renewed SADC partnership commitments.

ACHIEVEMENTS

No official MoU has been signed with SADC, but ROSA continued to renew its partnership with SADC based on past years of good cooperation and support from OCHA. During 2011, OCHA further supported the annual SADC DRR and preparedness planning consultative meeting. Further support to Member States is continuing following the recommendations outcome of this consultative meeting for 2012.

Indicator 4b. Number of regional organizations taking account of international tools in regional contingency planning.

Baseline

Strong cooperation underway with SADC on agreeing common standards and tools (adapted from international models) to be implemented at national level, such as common needs assessment and risk analysis model. Development of regional rapid response team integrated into SADC programme of action.

ToR for SADC rapid response team developed and approved by SADC Member States.

Achievements

The ToR for SADC rapid response team concept note was drafted. It is yet to be technically reviewed by a designated group of Member States before submission to the SADC Member States for their approval. The SOP is under development to accompany this concept note.

The rapid assessment tool finalization and risk analysis model were not accomplished due to the reduced capacity caused by the significant surge to the Horn.

Indicator 4c. Number of countries taking account of international tools in national contingency planning.

Baseline

100 per cent

Achievements

The initial target for 2011 (100 per cent) was further revised during the year to 11/13 (excluding South Africa and Mauritius). Of the 11 countries, eight revised their CPs taking account of international tools. Three others are planned for first quarter of 2012.

Indicator 4d. Number of national simulation exercises that take into account international tools.

Baseline

Full-scale simulations in six countries (46 per cent). Functional simulation in Madagascar. Support and/or participate in full-scale simulations as requested.

Achievements

Functional simulations in Madagascar assisted. Additional support was provided to Botswana upon their request for assistance, although it was not a targeted country. Lesotho postponed their functional simulation to September 2012.

Indicator 4e. Percentage of RC/HC countries in which National Disaster Management Adviser and local responders are trained on international tools and services.

Baseline

Fourteen countries (plus Zimbabwe) invited for INSARAG and UNDAC familiarization training. All southern Africa have attended training on at least one topic since 2007.

Achievements

Nine countries from the region attended the INSARAG regional awareness training (Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, a representative from the SADC Disaster Risk Reduction Unit and Kenya NDMO). MPP training will be conducted in 2012. Additional trainings include protection training for the CP review in Malawi, and Namibia.

Indicator 4f. Number and percentage of crisis-affected countries triggering international tools and services.

Four countries in crisis requested humanitarian assistance (100 per cent).

Result 5: Resources and support available from a wider group of Member States, private-sector organizations and civil society for emergency response and preparedness

Indicator 5a. Number of Member States in region providing resources to international humanitarian response.

Baseline

Three

Achievements

Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique and Angola provided assistance to Horn of Africa famine during the reporting period (six).

Indicator 5b. Total amount of Consolidated and Flash Appeal requirements worldwide funded by countries in the region.

Baseline

0.2 per cent

Achievements

Non during the reporting period.

Indicator 5c. Number of countries within your region participating in UNDAC/ INSARAG/ SBPP.

Baseline

South Africa (UNDAC and INSARAG) and Botswana (UNDAC).

Achievements

UNDAC: two countries. Zimbabwe has officially nominated two focal points for UNDAC, and Namibia participant is in the process of being cleared. Presentation on UNDAC was given during the INSARAG awareness training. The Seychelles has expressed interest to participate in INSARAG.

Indicator 5d. Communication strategy updated annually.

Baseline

Not applicable. No strategy in place.

Achievements

ROSA PIO capacity was moved to East Africa office. Strategy to be developed in 2012 with HQ support.